The Australian Jillaroos team for this weekend’s historic Rugby League Test against the England Lionesses in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium contains 10 members of the Westpac NSW Blues Women's team.
Alongside co-captain and starting prop Kezie Apps, head coach Jess Skinner has named Tiana Penitani and Isabelle Kelly (pictured above: NRL Photos) in the centres, Olivia Higgins at hooker, and an entire back row of Blues – Yasmin Clydsdale, Dally M winner Olivia Kernick and three-time NSW Women’s Player of the Year Simaima Taufa.
Utility Quincy Dodd, outside back Jess Sergis and middle forward Sarah Togatuki have been named on the bench to round out the 17.
Utility Keeley Davis, who played all three games in the 2024 Ampol Women’s State of Origin series, has been named on the extended bench. Jillaroos winger Jakiya Whitfeld was in the NSW Blues Origin squad in 2024 but is yet to make her interstate debut.
Apps is currently the most-capped NSW player in the Jillaroos with 19 Tests, followed by Taufa on 18 and Kelly on 16.
The Australia-England international kicks off on Sunday at 1pm AEDT as part of a four-match program to open the NRL’s 2025 season in the Nevada desert.
The other games include 2024 Super League Challenge Cup finalists, Wigan against Warrington from 8.30am; and two NRL Round One matches with Canberra Raiders against Warriors at 11am, and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks against Penrith Panthers at 3.30pm.
